I Wanna hear from 3" S&W 64 Owners

What do you think of this revolver? I'm looking to get one in the not too distant future. I think the 3" barrel would be a equal balance of shootability and concealment. I also like the fixed sights and the full length ejector rod.
It'll probably be used mostly for recreational shooting and for home defense, and occasionally for carry.
I would like my wife to use it effectively, this is the reason I've stayed away from the .357. She's shot a .357 before and thought it was a little on the harsh side in both recoil and noise. If she ever had to use it for self defense, I don't want her to be to shy of it in the slightest.
There are some pretty effective +P .38 rounds available, and the .38spl is just a pussy-cat round to shoot, hence better accuracy potential.
Some would recommend getting a .357 and just shoot .38's thru it, I've done this and it makes for a very dirty gun. It's enough of a pain to clean one using the correct ammo let alone something else that makes more work of it.
I basically just want some re-inforcement from other 64 owners of how much they like, and maybe dislike their 64's.

OK-- First I understand your position on 38's I don't necessarily agree-- I Prefer the 357--But I agree that shooting 38's in a 357 can be a pain--cleaning wise--

I have a nickeled MDL 13 with the old Bianchi Hammer shroud grips--

I love this weapon--
Balance is perfect and pointability is great--
A friend of mine has the stainless version with boot grips-- He is erqually happy--

sm

January 24, 2003, 12:23 AM

:D
3" HB round butt owner. I have CCW-ed , plinked, informal targeted, small game have fallen to my 64. Only problem is everyone whom sees it want to shoot it--then they try to talk me out of it...another good reason to wear a sidearm while shooting :p

I like this gun a lot, a dedicated .38 and is a great shooter, the action is butter smooth. My gunsmith some 21-22 yrs ago brought it home for me to see, I had to have it, I bought.

.357's I like the model 19's , nothing wrong with the 65's or other models, just a sentimental favorite with me. I bought my 64 3"HB RB -being unique, felt good in the hand, and at the time didn't see too many 3" guns around here. Plus my gunsmith knew(still does) my tastes- added with me having cash- equal a sale.

ruger357

January 24, 2003, 07:30 AM

I have the 65 with a 3 inch barrel. The gun has great balance and shoots great.

FPrice

January 24, 2003, 08:12 AM

I have several 3" k-frames (all .357 Magnum) and they all tend to shoot very well. I would advise getting this caliber as opposed to a .38 Special since you would have the option of shooting either caliber in the .357. And the Model 64 is about as heavy as eiother the 65 or 66 so that is not a big factor.

As far as cleaning a .357 revolver cylinder after shooting .38's...don't believe the stories about it being a problem. Bring a bore brush or snake to the range, clean it while it's still warm and you will not have a problem. Most of the so-called problems most likely come from people who do not clean their firearms either well or frequently.

Albert Shear

January 24, 2003, 07:59 PM

I have 11 3" S&W's and one is the 64. I agree, you can't go wrong with this choice. Mine, when carried is charged with Corbon 125gr +p @1125fps. When my wife carries it is charged with Federal 125gr +p.

frankie357

January 25, 2003, 12:12 AM

You can't go wrong with a model 64. I have a model 64 with a 4 " heavy barrel. It's strong enough for all 38sp loads. As others have mentioned, don't overlook the other models in 357 mag as you can also shoot 38sp .

HaveGun

January 25, 2003, 01:05 PM

I have Mod 64s in two inch and three inch. They are the new Smiths , round butt, with the frame mounted firing pin. Good guns, no problems. These K frames are strong and can sure take about any 38 spcl load. The three inch conceals OKay but not as well as the 2 inch on me. I find no difference in accuracy between the two for me.

LWCmdr45

January 25, 2003, 03:27 PM

The 3" K-frames are great guns! Find the right stocks to fit her hands and you'll have a "keeper."

I've carried mine on occasion, but prefer semi-autos. My 5'2" wife rarely packs her M64 (she prefers to use a J-frame or Colt GM .380 for that purpose), but relys on it as a center console or under-bed piece.